In defence of the letter I have received it does state that the child would receive "Access Patient Care", whilst it is also stated that if two appointments were missed the result would be that the person would be removed from the dentist's lists, neither of these actions are in dispute.

However, surely in the name of common sense the least that could be done in this case would be for the child to have the work completed so there is no risk or possible problems that could result from the decision to remove the child from the lists.

It is however totally unacceptable to leave any child or adult for that matter in such a position, especially without an undertaking that if there was any problem with the temporary work, the rest of the work needed would be completed.

It severely disturbs me that an excuse can be made "but what if she misses another appointment?". In this case it undoubtedly is unlikely as the patients family have been with the practice for 15 years

The question now I ask is that have dental practices changed at this surgery the answer short and shrift is no......... Written by WhiteWolf01 2007

Put it mildly my response was one of overwhelming anger. I fail totally to understand any child being put to the response of Oh! well! we have this system in place, if you come then we "might", be able to treat the child, if we have time to do so.

Finally I did try a few times namely five to speak to them again over this issue, but all I got was accused of harassment and they hung the phone up. I guess the practice manager could not so easily justify the actions of leaving a child with half done treatment.

I also noted that the child concerned also tried to contact them to ask them why they were refusing treatment: Guess what they hung up.

Is this a fine example of a practicing dental surgery? I wonder.

If this was your child how would you feel.

I wonder also, if they would treat a private paying patient in the same manner, it is worth remembering that children under 16 receive free treatment on hte NHS unless they choose to go private.